Super Eagles beaten by Senegal in CHAN opener

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on a shaky note, losing 0–1 to defending champions Senegal.

The Eagles were undone by a second-half goal in Group D’s second match, played at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Both sides struggled to a goalless first half, but Senegal broke the deadlock in the second half despite having less ball possession than Nigeria.

The match remained evenly contested until the 75th minute when a defensive blunder in the Nigerian backline gifted the Senegalese the only goal of the encounter.

Lions’ forward Koité pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, waltzed past goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, and set up Gomis, who slotted effortlessly into an empty net.

Stunned by the goal, the Eric Chelle-tutored Eagles made several attempts to find an equaliser, but the Senegalese held firm to secure all three points.

The defeat leaves Nigeria bottom of Group D with no points, after Sudan and Congo battled to a 1–1 draw in the group’s opening game, earning a point each to sit joint second behind Senegal on three points.

Nigeria will face Sudan in their second group game next Tuesday, a must-win match to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.